When our intake exceeds our output we tend to get a little flabby and in some instances fat.  Most of us probably need to make some lifestyle changes both physically and spiritually.

Janet and I have been involved in a new lifestyle for one year now and it’s made an incredible difference.  We are eating clean  (primarily non-processed foods) and exercising regularly.  We feel better – sleep better – have more flexibility, endurance and strength!  To take care of the temple (your body) God gave you – some of you probably need to make a lifestyle change instead of going on the latest diet. 

But what about SPIRITUALLY?  Do you need a diet?  Do you need a lifefstyle change?

This weekend I read Matthew 4  (I’m reading the Words in Red in my QT again this year).  As Jesus is having an encounter with Satan, He rebukes Satan’s first temptation with these words:  “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” Mt 4:4 NKJV

Most of us are pretty good at chowing down on physical bread, but how are we doing when it comes to chowing down on The Bread of Life – the Word of God?

One thought I had when I read this was that a lifestyle change some of us need to make is to view our intake of “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (the Scripture – God’s Word) as important – if not more important – than the other food we eat daily.  What kind of change would take place in your life this year, if you valued the Word of God as much as you do the food you eat?

Another thought had to do with those I’ve met who’ve had a steady intake of the Word of God (they dine on the Word regularly which is awesome), but their output is limited or non-existent.   I know this is going to sound a little off, but maybe there are some people who need a diet from their intake of the Word until they start doing something with it!   I once heard John Maxwell call these people “spiritual porkers”; they eat eat eat getting fatter and fatter, but never exercise their spiritual muscles by applying what they’ve taken in.   

As the Book of James says: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22 NKJV)  Is it possible that those who come to the trough asking to be fed over and over, but never do anything with it are “deceiving themselves”?

The reality is that we need a steady intake of physical and spiritual food – balanced by a steady output through physical and spiritual exercise.

This year – I hope you’ll chow down on the Word of God like never before, but don’t get flabby spiritually – exercise your spiritual muscles and faith by DOING WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS.